There was less stress in his demeanor, more fun in his spirit, an occasional smile on his face.

Compared with the tension-filled news conference he had last week on the eve of Broncos training camp, Von Miller was more like himself when he addressed a smaller gathering of media Sunday.

"I've been under a microscope since I've been here," Miller said, referring to the expectations created when the former Texas A&M star was selected by the Broncos with the No. 2 pick in the 2011 draft. "With great power comes great responsibility. I understand that. I understand I've made mistakes. But the guy I was yesterday is not the guy I am today."

He quipped how he stole part of this profound statement from Uncle Ben of the "Spider-Man" movies. Miller is the Broncos' best defensive player, the NFL defensive rookie of the year in 2011, a dominant player with 18½ sacks in 2012 and a Pro Bowler both years.

He might start his third season serving a four-game suspension after the NFL found him in violation of its drug policy. Miller has appealed; he and his NFL Players Association lawyers will have a hearing about his case no later than mid-August.

"I've faced adversity before," he said. "In college I faced adversity, and the following season I led the nation in sacks. Everybody faces adversity. It's just how you handle it."

Miller was suspended during his sophomore season at Texas A&M by coach Mike Sherman for skipping classes and having a lackadaisical approach to football. Miller woke up by his junior year and led NCAA Division I pass rushers with 17 sacks.

The more recent controversy surrounding Miller also seems to have heightened his focus. He has played extremely well in training camp. Put it this way: Peyton Manning is lucky there's a no-touch rule on the Denver quarterbacks.

"I've always been a locker room guy," Miller said. "To get back in the locker room with all the guys, joking around, having fun out there, it's been great.

"I love playing football. I do a lot of things good, but this is what I do great. This has always been my safe haven."

Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller signs autographs after practice at Dove Valley in Englewood, CO on July 28, 2013. The fourth day of Broncos Training Camp was held under cloudy skies and foggy conditions but fans didn't seem to mind as they cheered each time a receiver caught a pass. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)

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